Louis Saha declared he had joined "the most dynamic and exciting team in the country" as he began life at Tottenham on Wednesday.

Saha trained with his new team-mates for the first time, having completed a surprise switch to Spurs in a deadline-day free transfer from Everton. The 33-year-old striker, who signed an 18-month contract at White Hart Lane, is now at his fifth Barclays Premier League club and he has no doubt in which direction title-chasing Tottenham were heading.

"I have a big challenge ahead, which is why I felt it was right to go," said Saha, who could make his debut in Monday's game at Liverpool. "I am not going to step down and I think I am joining the most dynamic and exciting team in the country at the moment."

Saha's transfer ended his three-year stay at Everton, where he scored 35 goals in 115 appearances after signing from Manchester United. The Frenchman endured an injury-ravaged time at Old Trafford and thanked the Toffees for helping him resurrect his career.

He told evertontv: "I have to say thank you to Everton and particularly David Moyes because they helped me when I really needed it and I will never forget that.

"Leaving a great club like Everton is always a bit sad, but things come to an end, and I also want to say thanks to the supporters as there have been good times and bad times but I have always felt supported and loved.

"Goodison is a special stadium and you can feel the spirit of so many great sportsmen when you go on the pitch. It has been an honour and a privilege as a football player to play there."

Saha will best be remembered for scoring after just 25 seconds of the 2009 FA Cup final against Chelsea, the fastest ever goal in a Wembley cup final. He said: "It was a great moment but, while I did not score in the semi-final, to be involved in the win over Manchester United was really special.

"The atmosphere in the stadium was fantastic, it was amazing, and I keep victories in mind more than scoring a goal.